Pick a winner? Not such an easy task, even allowing for almost two full weeks to work with the bulk of his squad.
David Gray will have plenty of criteria to apply before selecting his starting XI for this evening’s vital – yeah, they’re all vital now, already - league clash with Dundee at Dens Park. Nothing about the decision making process is straightforward, when the pressure is on.
Stuck with a goalkeeper who just doesn’t look confident in difficult situations, and having seen one of his more reliable defenders suffer a serious wobble last time out, Gray certainly doesn’t have his troubles to seek. And that’s without fretting over the lack of goals – and clear-cut scoring chances – hampering his side.
With a number of players just back from international duty, there’s also a potential fatigue factor to be worked into calculations. Can you go with BOTH Socceroos players, even if Martin Boyle didn’t feature in Australia’s World Cup qualifiers as Lewis Miller continued his international rebirth, on the same side of the pitch? Will Junior Hoilett be fresh after travelling to Paramaribo and Toronto with Canada?
Mykola Kuharevich coming back from suspension at least gives Gray another option at centre forward. Although Hibs fans would dearly love to see Dwight Gayle make just a second start – assuming he’s fit enough to play.
Given the performances of Hyeokkyu Kwon and Nectar Triantis in midfield against St Mirren just before the international break, it remains to be seen whether Hibs stick with the 4-3-3 tweaked in order to squeeze both in alongside Joe Newell. Maybe it’s time to return to the 4-2-3-1, with a proper No. 10 playing behind the lone striker.
Decisions, decisions, eh? Here’s how Hibs could/should line up at tea-time on Tayside:
9. No. 10 Rudi Molotnikov
Already proving himself one of the most effective attacking players in the Hibs squad, the 18-year-old should be given another chance to shine in his favourite position. | SNS Group / SFA
10. LW Junior Hoilett
A lot may depend on how he feels after international duty. If fresh and fit, the Canadian will surely start out wide, where he's looked at his most dangerous, ahead of Elie Youan. | SNS Group
11. CF Dwight Gayle
If - and it's a big IF - he's fit, surely he's got to step up and start for a team in dire need of goals. Mykola Kuharevich being back from suspension at least gives Gray one fully fit striker. | SNS Group